Mains Marathon

• Start your answer with definition of organic farming.
• Discuss the benefits and challenges of the organic farming.
• Discuss the measures to promote organic farming
• Conclude by summarizing key points and a way forward approach.

Answer:

Organic farming is a method of agriculture that relies on natural inputs and processes to produce crops without the use of synthetic chemicals, genetically modified organisms, hormones or antibiotics. Organic farming aims to enhance soil health, biodiversity, animal welfare and ecological balance, while minimizing environmental pollution and health risks.

In 2002, the government launched the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), which aims to promote organic farming and increase the area under organic cultivation. As a result of these efforts, the area under organic cultivation in India has been increasing steadily. In 2019, the area under organic cultivation was 2.3 million hectares.

Benefits of organic farming in India

• Prevention of soil and water pollution due to elimination of use of chemicals that can leach into groundwater and surface water and contaminate the food chain.
• Conservation of disease-free and healthy biodiversity by maintaining a variety of crops, animals and microorganisms that can resist pests and diseases naturally, and provide ecosystem services such as pollination, nutrient cycling and pest control.
• Cost effectiveness due to the use of natural products such as animal manures, composts, biofertilizers, biopesticides and crop residues that are locally available and cheaper than synthetic inputs.
  • It also reduces the dependence on external inputs and markets and increases the bargaining power of farmers.
• Maximisation of resource utilisation, thus high efficiency of this type of farming. Organic farming optimizes land, water, energy & labour with practices like crop rotation, intercropping, mulching, rainwater harvesting, vermicomposting & agroforestry, enhancing soil fertility, water retention, carbon sequestration & biomass production.
• Increased nutritional content of food by producing crops that have higher levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals than conventionally grown foods.
  • Organic foods also have lower levels of pesticide residues, nitrates, heavy metals, hormones and antibiotics that can cause adverse health effects.
• Maintenance of soil fertility by improving the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil through organic matter addition, microbial activity, humus formation and soil structure improvement.
  • Organic farming also prevents soil erosion, salinization and acidification that can degrade soil quality and productivity.
• Toxin-free food reduces health issues earlier caused by the absorption of toxins by crops. This improves the immunity, vitality and well-being of consumers who prefer organic foods for their safety and quality.
• Cheaper inputs, higher and more stable prices, and organization in farmer cooperatives. Organic farming reduces the input costs for farmers who can save on expensive chemicals and seeds.
• Helps in meeting twin challenges of food security and job creation, and poverty reduction. Organic farming can increase food production by improving crop yields and diversifying food sources. It can also create more employment opportunities for rural people by involving more labour-intensive activities such as weeding, composting and harvesting.

Challenges of organic farming in India

• Lack of awareness: Many farmers in India are not aware of the benefits of organic farming or how to transition to this method of production. This lack of awareness can make it difficult for farmers to adopt organic farming practices.
• High cost: The upfront costs of transitioning to organic farming can be high, as farmers may need to purchase new seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. Additionally, organic farming may require more labour than conventional farming, which can also increase costs.
• Low yields: Organic farming typically produces lower yields than conventional farming, which can make it difficult for farmers to make a profit. This is because organic farming relies on natural processes to control pests and diseases, which can lead to crop losses.
• Market access: There is a limited market for organic produce in India, which can make it difficult for farmers to sell their products. This is because consumers are often not aware of the benefits of organic food or are willing to pay a premium for it.
• Government support: Though the government provides support for organic farming, which may not be adequate for adopting organic farming.
  • It encounters a difficulty in certification, accreditation, labelling and marketing of organic products due to the lack of uniform standards, regulations and infrastructure.
• High transition period: It requires a transition period of at least three years to convert a conventional farm to an organic farm, during which the yield may decline.
• Lack of inputs availability: It suffers from a shortage of quality organic seeds, planting materials, bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides and other organic inputs.
  • It also faces a high risk of pest and disease outbreaks due to the absence of synthetic pesticides.
• Hard to compete with conventional farming: It competes with the conventional farming system, which is heavily subsidized and supported by the government policies and programs.

Measures to promote Organic farming

• Implementing organic farming policies in a staggered manner, with clear targets, incentives and regulations for organic production, certification and marketing.
• Strengthening soil health and guaranteeing water conservation system by using organic manures, bio-fertilizers, crop rotation, mulching, green manuring, composting and other techniques.
• Promoting organic farming and its benefits to the consumers through awareness programmes, labeling schemes, quality standards, price premiums, subsidies and market linkages.
• Supporting organic farmers through cluster-based approach, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), capacity building, post-harvest infrastructure, value chain development and export facilitation.
• Providing financial assistance for organic inputs, certification, mechanised compost production units and other components under various government schemes such as Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme (CISS) under Soil Health Management Scheme and National Food Security Mission (NFSM).

Organic farming is a sustainable and profitable alternative to conventional farming that can benefit the environment, the farmers and the consumers. However, organic farming also faces many challenges that need to be addressed by the government and other stakeholders. By providing adequate support and incentives, the government can promote organic farming in India and make it a viable and feasible option for the future of agriculture.